A woman looks directly into the camera lens, her gaze both serene and determined, proud and free of complexes. Unknown to us, let’s call her “I Am Africa,” the mother of humanity. Designed to avoid fixing upon any specific face, she embodies the continent’s diversity: “I Am Africa” is everyone and no one simultaneously. Africa is us, in infinite plurality.
The figure of “I Am Africa” is an opportunity to highlight the central role of women in the world, particularly in African societies. This can evoke women filmmakers, producers, and actresses who contribute to showcasing African cinemas.
“I Am Africa” appears to hide behind the letters of the word FESPACO, while still observing us. Her partially concealed face invites our imagination to fill in the gaps, to construct and deconstruct a complete image. Cinema is a bit like that: a play between the visible and the invisible. A film reveals part of a story, leaving us to imagine the rest, like an open window to endless realities.
Her face is a kaleidoscope of woven patterns, paying homage to the continent’s cultural wealth. For this 29th edition, FESPACO celebrates these plural identities expressed through cinema, as well as music, dance, theater, and fashion. Each fabric tells a story; each pattern takes us to a specific region: Malian Bogolan, Ghanaian Kente, Faso Danfani, Burkinabè Koko Dunda, or Maasai or Zulu-patterned earrings testify to the vitality and diversity of our cultures. Each African fabric, each pattern, each color carries deep symbolism tied to the history of its people.
The visual conveys the idea that FESPACO is much more than just a film festival. It is a true gathering of African creativity.
Illustration (Face Design): @microstocks
Graphics: Gideon Vink
